Friends, today's first reading from the Acts of the Apostles sees the encounter between a foreign man who is not Christian and Philip who is a Christian. The Ethiopian (non-Christian) is sitting in his chariot reading from the prophet Isaiah. This tells us that although the man was not Jewish, he was searching for meaning in the Word of God. When Philip came across the man, he asked him 'Do you understand what you are reading?' 'How can I' the man replied 'unless I have someone to guide me?' Then we are told that he invited Philip to sit by his side and explain the Scriptures to him. This encounter led to the man being baptised and becoming Christian.
Here is the archetype for spiritual direction that continues to be so important in our faith communities. We help each other come to faith and to know the Lord. We share the gift of faith with others in gentl, creative yet joyful ways. We have a desire that those we mentor and accompany might come to know God and his transforming love as we did.
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